Nandigram continued to burn for the third consecutive day as incidents of firing, bombing and arson were reported from several places in Tekhali Bridge, reports Sujit Nath.

Nandigram continued to burn for the third consecutive day as incidents of firing, bombing and arson were reported from several places in Tekhali Bridge on Sunday.

It all began when Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC) activists fired indiscriminately at CPI (M) supporters, who following a threat perception from the BUPC activists tried to flee from their houses in Khejuri, escorted by policemen.

When the police force failed to give a safe passage, enraged CPI (M) supporters began firing at the BUPC activists from Janani brick kiln.

The exchange of gunfire lasted till 4 pm on Sunday. According to an eyewitness, more than 20 rounds of bullets and 15 crude bombs were hurled at both CPI (M) supporters and the policemen escorting them.

Two photo journalists, who were present at the incident, escaped unhurt.

Later a team of policemen rushed to the spot and rescued the journalists.

Following the incident, Additional Superintendent of police Tanmoy Roy Chowdhury requested media people not to venture out in the area for security reasons.

Some of the CPI (M) supporters were mercilessly beaten up by the BUPC activists and kept in confinement for more than an hour. Later they were released with a warning that if they want to survive then they would have to join their movement.

Sensing danger, the CPI (M) supporters fled away. One Bhojo Hari, a resident of Tekhali, was heard saying, "I don't have any trust on police. The BUPC activists will kill us."

Officer-in-charge of Nandigram police station, Champak Rai Chowdhury said, "There is a strict order from the superintendent of police that everybody will be given full protection and there is nothing to worry about."

However, the CPI (M) supporters turned down the request and decided to stay in a relief camp. "The situation is not good and we are requesting our supporters to be patient," a senior CPI (M) leader Sadhin Pramanik said.

Ground reality suggests that BUPC managed to gain a strong foothold in Khejuri as Suem Kaji, a BUPC activist said, "We are targeting the Janani brick klin. Soon we will be managed to grab it and after that it will easier for us to carry out our movement."

On Saturday, the BUPC and CPI-M supporters fired and hurled bombs at each other injuring five persons. Police had to fire in the air to disperse the two warring sides.